Raffles World Academy

Raffles World Academy in Umm Suqeim 3 opened in 2008 and teaches the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma and Career-related programmes. It is part of the Innoventures Education group. KHDA's directory lists Very Good for 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2022-23 and 2023-24, with Very Good for wellbeing and inclusion, so the school is steady rather than rising. The 2023-24 report records 1,831 pupils, 151 teachers and just 11 teaching assistants. In the PYP, personal development and care and support are rated Outstanding, while teaching and assessment are Very Good. In the KG, teaching and assessment are both Outstanding. Wellbeing is Very Good: the report describes a clear vision and a commitment to improvement, systematic wellbeing data and a developing approach to target setting. The reviewer credits the breadth of facilities and extra-curricular activities, a fabulous location, high-profile governance and the IB Career-related Programme. The parent rating of 68 is shared with Emirates International School Meadows and trails the leading IB schools by 15 to 19 points. SchoolsCompared.com's only improvement suggestion is wider BTEC options within the Career-related Programme, which affects older pupils rather than primary families. Daily hours are not listed publicly, so confirm them on a tour. KHDA's 2026-27 directory lists AED 33,544 for pre-primary and KG1, AED 40,253 for KG2, AED 52,060 for Grades 1 to 3 and AED 62,794 for Grades 4 and 5. That makes it one of the lower-cost IB schools, AED 4,811 above Dubai International Academy in Emirates Hills for the oldest primary year. The school's own 2026-27 schedule for existing students is higher, at AED 64,405 for Grades 4 and 5, and is marked subject to KHDA approval, so ask which figure applies. Raffles is a practical pick for families in Umm Suqeim who want an IB school with big facilities and a steady record.